The Best Antioxidants For Your Skin - Part One

As we have previously mentioned, antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals – unstable and highly reactive molecules that cause damage to the cells by stealing electrons from other sources. Free radicals come from both external and internal sources. In the body, they exist in normal essential metabolic functions, and externally from the ozone, pollution, industrial chemicals used in food and in cleaning, and in X-rays, to name a few. This damage can affect DNA, protein, the matrix, and the outer barrier of our skin. Four out of five of our wrinkles come from environmental damage, so it is imperative that we have the protection of antioxidants in our skincare to help fight the aging process. You are never too young to start introducing antioxidants into your skincare routine.

So what are the best antioxidants for our skin? There are several to take into consideration.

VITAMIN C

Also known as ascorbic acid, this potent antioxidant is a favorite in the skin care/dermatological industry. Not only does vitamin C help to lighten dark spots and even and brighten skin tone, it fights free radicals by binding them and removing them from the skin. Vitamin C is known to stimulate collagen production (think reducing fine lines!), protects against UV damage, and helps to thicken the dermis layer.

VITAMIN A

This antioxidant encourages healthy skin cell turnover, and can often be found in topical creams such as retinal, retinol, and retinoic acid, all in a variety of strengths. Vitamin A targets and stimulates fibroblasts, which are cells responsible for developing the tissue that keeps skin healthy and firm (youthful!). Vitamin A helps strengthen and protect the barrier of the skin, keeping it healthy and strong for fighting against pollutants and irritants, as well as bacteria and infections.

When using Vitamin A topically, it is best to start off two times a week in the evenings, and add days once your skin has adjusted. During the day, adding a mineral-based sunscreen is imperative at protecting the new skin cells that vitamin A has helped bring to the surface.

VITAMIN B3

Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide, packs quite a punch when it comes to antioxidants and offers many benefits. Niacinamide offers immunity support as it helps to build keratin, which keeps skin firm and healthy, and helps to grow the skins lipid barrier, which helps to maintain moisture. Vitamin B3 is also known to regulate oil production, treat acne – especially inflammatory kinds — and diminish fine lines and wrinkles by treating sun damage. Vitamin B3 helps to minimize the appearance of pores, as well as treat redness, hyperpigmentation, and blotchiness.

Niacinamide can be used daily, both mornings and evenings, and can be easily layered with other serums, but always added before moisturizer.

As mentioned in the benefits of Vitamin A, it is always wise to add a mineral SPF to your daily routine to protect your skin to prevent further damage, and to protect new skin cells.

Call to schedule a skincare consultation at 720.236.7541 , and let’s discuss the best antioxidants to add to your routine!

6 Reasons Antioxidants Should Be In Your Skincare Routine

Antioxidants have been quite the buzzword in the beauty industry, but what exactly are antioxidants? Simply put, antioxidants fight against free radicals and help protect the skin from cellular damage. They are the skins defense mechanism.

Free radicals are everywhere and cause damage, which isn’t typically seen right away, but does considerable damage nonetheless. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells because they are missing electrons. The unstable molecules are constantly trying to bond to atoms or molecules that have these electrons to feel whole again, which causes oxidative stress, or chemical chain reactions inside the body. Oxidative stress is a term used to describe the imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in the body, and antioxidants help to stabilize free radicals, keeping them from reacting with other molecules.

In skincare, antioxidants play a vital role, and here are the reasons they should be in your skincare routine…

1. Antioxidants aide in correcting signs of aging.

Antioxidants reduce inflammation caused by free radicals, which allows the skin to repair visible damage. Inflammation can be seen as blotchiness, saggy skin, fine lines, wrinkles and acne.

2. Antioxidants brighten and even skin tone.

Free radicals can cause changes in our skins natural melanin production, which in turn leads to dark spots and uneven skin tone. Antioxidants reduce photodamage, or abnormal skin pigmentation such as hyperpigmentation and melasma.

3. Antioxidants can help boost collagen production.

Not all antioxidants help boost collagen production, but antioxidants like vitamin C are known for both protecting the skin and creating more collagen in the body. It is important to note that the body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, so it is important to add it to your skincare routine. Many skincare lines have topical vitamin C options both alone and mixed in serums and moisturizers, but it is also important to add it to your diet through leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits.

4. Antioxidants may fight against certain forms of cancer.

Some antioxidants are anti-carcinogenic, such as vitamins A, C, and E. There have been studies done that suggest antioxidants may slow and/or prevent the development of cancer.

5. Antioxidants can firm skin.

Antioxidants help in reversing the signs of aging and improving skin health. Certain antioxidants like Coenzyme Q-10 are known for their skin firming abilities, and are great for use in products meant to lift and tone the skin.

6. Antioxidants can help improve scar appearance.

Scar tissue is more rigid than normal, healthy tissue. Certain antioxidants, such as those found in aloe, increase blood circulation to the scar area. This in turn makes the scar tissue visibly blend in with normal tissue, reducing its appearance. This study suggests that appropriate doses of vitamin E - not pure vitamin E - can also improve scar appearance by softening the tissue.

It’s no doubt that antioxidants play a vital role in the overall health of our skin. It is important to add products packed with a variety of antioxidants to your morning and evening routine to keep your skin in its best shape and appearance.

Have questions, or would like to explore products that best address your skincare concerns? Call Heather at 720.236.7541 to schedule a free consultation.

PRP for Anti-Aging

As mentioned in the previous blog discussing Micro-channeling, PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma, has been used in many medical fields for its wound healing abilities. Athletes use it to heal injuries, while others have used PRP to treat arthritis. In the cosmetic industry, it has been used for those who want a natural but noticeable improvement in their skin tone and texture as PRP offers excellent skin rejuvenation with little to no downtime.

While used topically in the cosmetic industry, PRP can also be used for injections to fill wrinkles as a natural filler. Areas of treatment are similar to areas treated with hyaluronic acid fillers, which include the eye area, decollete, cheeks, smile lines, and nasolabial folds. The PRP stimulates collagen production in the dermis of the skin to plump and fill for a natural look. PRP is an excellent alternative to hyaluronic acid fillers as it helps to restore volume while rejuvenating the skin from the inside out.

How does it work? Your blood is drawn into a vial, which is then placed into a centrifuge. The vial is spun in the centrifuge to concentrate and isolate platelets. After the spinning the PRP has separated and can then be used for injections. The time for the entire appointment from start to finish can take about 60-90 minutes, and while you can resume normal activities, is recommended that you do not exercise until the next day.

Since PRP is derived from your own body, the chances of an allergic reaction are minimal, as are lumps and bumps that can happen with hyaluronic acid fillers. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers are considered very safe, but for those concerned about reactions, PRP is a perfect alternative. However, PRP and hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected in the same appointment to address facial aging as well as the quality of the skin.

Interested in PRP injections? Call to make a consultation appointment at 720.236.7541!

The Skinny On Anti-Aging Skin Care

When it comes to the finding the most appropriate anti-aging skin care regimen, it all depends on your areas of concern. The best ingredients are listed below that tackle a multitude of concerns, and are excellent for a wide range of ages.

 Vitamin C

For starters, the potent antioxidant properties in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) make it a vital molecule for skin health. It helps protect the skin from UV light exposure caused by free radicals, and helps regulate the synthesis of the structural protein collagen. Collagen aids in supporting the epidermis and works hand in hand with elastin to support the skin. Vitamin C has been a staple in ancient beauty, used in Tibet during the Tang Dynasty, and is most beneficial when applied topically. Vitamin C helps to rejuvenate and maintain firm and youthful skin, lighten and brighten dark spots, and is recommended for daily topical use.

 Hyaluronic Acid

Contrary to belief, not all acids are created equal. Hyaluronic acid is gentle and will not break down your skin all while turning back the clock. HA is a humectant, which means it draws moisture from its surroundings, and helps to plump the skin while giving it a smoother appearance. One gram of HA can hold up to six liters of water! This is especially beneficial for those who live in dry climates, and want to boost their moisturizers, as HA works best layered and/or in combination with other ingredients.

Retinol

This cure-all, superstar ingredient is a vitamin-A derivative, which tackles fine lines, sun spots, wrinkles, dullness, and crepiness to name a few. While it can take some time for your skin to acclimate to this powerful ingredient, the best approach is start slowly, using it 2-3 times a week for two weeks, and then adding an additional night from there on. To get the fullest benefits, give your retinol product a few months to reap the full benefits. You’ll be glad you did!

Niacinamide

Also known as nicotinic acid, and Vitamin B3, niacinamide is an excellent skin-restoring ingredient that helps to build proteins in the skin (think keratin), lock in moisture, and prevent environmental damage by rebuilding healthy skin cells. Other benefits include minimizing pore appearance, acne control, oil regulation, tackling fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation reduction.

CBD

A naturally occurring plant compound derived from the cannabis plant, also known as cannabidiol. While found in the marijuana plant, it is non-psychoactive and completely legal. In skin care, its benefits are amazing. CBD is a powerful antioxidant, which helps counteract signs of aging caused by free radicals, and is possibly more powerful than Vitamin C and E combined. CBD treats inflammatory skin conditions (think eczema and acne), supports the skins natural healing process, and evidence suggests cannabinoids help manage dry skin as it moisturizes without clogging pores.

Here are a list of my recommended anti-aging products by Color Up Therapeutics and SkinMedica :

1. Color Up Therapeutics 100mg Moisturizer UV Repair 2. Color Up Therapeutics Treatment Oil 3. Color Up Therapeutics Dark Circle Reduction and Firming Eye Cream 4. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum 5. SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex

Want to add more fun to your skin care care routine? Check out these products by Grande Lash MD:

1. GrandeLash - MD Lash Enhancing Serum 2. GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper, Gloss 3. GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum

Place an order for any of the above products by contacting me through this link, at 720.236.7541, through email — heather@RadiantSkinRN.com.

What products do you swear by? Leave a comment below!